A
place that claims distinction as the largest city in Madhya Pradesh,
Indore is located in the Malwa region of the state. Washed by the waters
of Saraswati and Khan River, it was the imperial seat of the Holkar
rulers. The city, as it stands today, is hemmed with many regal
splendors that are attributable to the Holkar dynasty. Indore is also
distinguished for its galloping strides taken in the fields of textiles
and automobiles. Its conflux of aesthetic monuments, palaces and
religious sites, along with its industrial advancements, make Indore one
of the most popular vacationing retreats. Explore the various places
that you should see on your trip to Indore and get a glimpse of the
tourist attractions of the city.Rajwada
Rajwada, or the 'Holkar Palace', is located in the main city square of Indore and serves as the ancient remnant of the Holkar dynasty, dating back to two centuries. The seven-storied edifice, built in an arresting fusion of Mughal, Maratha and French architectural style, highlights Holkar grandeur of the past. Three stone-made lower stories, wooden upper stories, well-laid gardens with fountains and an artificial waterfall exemplify the beauty of the monument.
Lalbagh Palace
It is one of the few impressive architectural monuments that represent the enviable lifestyle and the inventive eye of the Holkars. Built in 1886 by Tukoji Rao Holkar II, its construction was carried out in three phases and finally completed in 1921, under Tukoji Rao Holkar III. Until recent times, it served as the palatial residence of the Holkars. Now, a part of the building has been converted into a museum and preserves rare paintings and other signature items belonging to the Holkars.
Kanch Mandir
Built by Sir Hukamchand Seth in the early twentieth century, this Digambar Jain temple is something you cannot afford to miss on your trip to Indore. The building is unique because it displays austere exteriors and intricate mirror works on its interiors. The doors, ceilings, floors and pillars of this temple are adorned with glass. Colorful glass paintings depicting stories from Jain scriptures, arranged inside the temple, form a major attraction of the place.
Bijasen Tekri
Bijasen Tekri is a vantage point that offers a panoramic view of the entire Indore city. It is especially famous for its breathtaking sunset views. The idyllic beauty of the place is also apposite for leisurely evening strolls. The famous temple of Bijasen Mata, built in 1920, is one of the most prominent attractions here. A mela held here on the occasion of Navratri draws many tourists every year. The former guesthouse of the Holkars is also located atop this hill.
Chattri Bagh
Chattri Bagh is a major draw amongst tourist visiting Indore. Located near the Khan River, the place is characterized by a cluster of 'chattris' or memorial canopies, dedicated to the erstwhile Holkar rulers and their family members. These dome shaped cenotaphs, with pyramidal spires on top, are built on the burial sites of the Holkars. The most attractive of the many cenotaphs is the one commemorated to Malhar Rao Holkar I, the founder of the Holkar dynasty.
Bada Ganapati
This temple, built in 1875, is an important religious attraction of the city. People from different parts of India throng Indore to pay their obeisance to Lord Ganesha at this shrine. As the name suggests, the temple enshrines the largest statue of 'Ganapati' or Lord Ganesha in the whole world. This massive idol measures 8m from crown to foot and is made of metallic frames like gold, silver, copper, brass, and iron.
Central Museum
Established in 1929, Central Museum was envisioned as a purely regional institution. The place today preserves and exhibits various antiquities from the western Malwa area of Madhya Pradesh. Some of the focal attractions of the place include paintings, sculptures, terracotta artwork, coins and other architectural relics. These architectural and archaeological miscellanies make the museum a must-visit destination on your trip to Indore.
